As summer fades, we thought it was the perfect time to refresh our lineup of favorite venues, especially those that capture the magic of a fall wedding. While Southern California might not deliver a “true” autumn in the traditional sense (native Socal residents know how hot it can get in September and even trickling into October), these spaces come remarkably close. Each one offers the right textures, tones, and atmosphere that make the season so special.

Each venue offers its own distinct charm: a unique view, a landscape, and endless potential for bringing your wedding vision to life. By blending the natural elements and architectural design each location provides, you can create your own take on fall. Maybe a coastal celebration kissed by golden light, a Spanish-style courtyard draped in rich autumnal blooms, or a rustic farmhouse filled with seasonal warmth.

It’s easy to think a venue’s style locks you into a specific theme, but fall can always find its way in. And with the right floral designer, they can be the key to successfully capturing the essence of fall through blooms.

Without further ado, here's our lineup of our favorite venues for fall

1: Franciscan Gardens

_{(Venue: Franciscan Gardens; Photographer: The Bloom of Time Team)}

This venue transports you from the heart of San Juan Capistrano into a secluded and intimate courtyard. With its warm, wooden entrance gates and pergola, lush hedge greenery surrounding all sides and hanging string lights, it makes an idyllic setting to host any weddings in the fall season. 

2: The Casino

_{(Venue: The Casino; Photographer: Rynell Media)}

Set in San Clemente, the historic seaside Casino blends Spanish-coastal charm with autumn warmth. Exchange vows on the open-air patio, mingle in the newly renovated Rock Garden, then celebrate in a cozy ballroom, it’s an all-in-one venue with effortless indoor-outdoor flow.

3: Ranchos Las Lomas

_{(Venue: The Casino; Photographer: CassMarie Photos)}

Rancho Las Lomas is one of our tried and true favorite venues to celebrate love in the fall. The El Teatro and courtyard, shaded by oak and sycamore trees, provide the perfect backdrop as the season transforms from sunny summer days into the coolness of autumn.

4: Ole Hanson Beach Club

_{(Venue: Ole Hanson Beach Club; Photographer: Dani Vivanco Photography)}

A coastal gem, this venue embodies the quintessential California experience, where natural beauty and beach charm come together in perfect harmony. You might stop and think that this venue limits you to a very specific palette: think either white and greenery or pastel tones (which we also love!). But don’t let that stop you from introducing a fall palette so you can get the best of both worlds: ocean views and blooms to match the season.

5: The Ranch

_{(Venue: Ole Hanson Beach Club; Photographer: Dani Vivanco Photography)}

The Ranch is known to be the perfect combination of being only a few steps from Laguna Beach, but secluded enough to give the feeling of being in an enchanting forest, making it the perfect destination to host a fall wedding. 

What are some things to prepare for when it comes to having a wedding in the fall? 

1: Because the clock changes the first Sunday in November for Daylight Savings, this means that the time for sunset will approach sooner—about 1.5-2 hours sooner. So plan your ceremony moment appropriately to capture that perfect golden hour backdrop.

2: Always have a Plan B. While Southern California is usually mild and outdoor-friendly during the fall, East Coast fall is the opposite and can be brisk and blustery, with the possibility of snow by late November. If your aim is to still have an outdoor wedding, just keep in mind to have space heaters, umbrellas, tents or a last minute indoor space for guests just in the weather does turn for the worst.

3: Going off of the last point, this is not to say that Southern California weather is always ideal and perfect. The infamous Santa Ana winds are known to blow in starting September, so watch out for heat spikes, air quality, and potential wildfire smoke. This also means windsafe everything if you’re set on an outdoor wedding.

Are there specific blooms more in season than others?

Yes! A plethora, actually. Dahlias, marigolds, amaranths, chrysanthemums, garden roses, and a whole array of different types of greenery and autumn-toned foliage.

If there is a very specific type of bloom you’re looking to incorporate into your wedding, please let us know and we can confirm or make the appropriate alternative substitutions and recommendations! 

Do I have to stick to the typical fall palette to emulate a fall wedding?

Absolutely not! This might surprise some of you but you can even achieve the “fall look” with atypical colors such as slate gray, mauve, or teal. It's less about hue and more about texture, depth, and mood.

Layered textures: berries, pods, grasses, a mix of fresh and dried blooms.
Deeper undertones: adding colors with warmth in the base like taupe, mushroom, espresso, fig.
Moody contrast: candlelight, antique metals, wood/stone vessels, velvet or linen ribbons.

The Bloom of Time – If you’re looking for unique wedding flower arrangements to perfectly complement your next special event, please reach out to us at The Bloom of Time. One of our experienced floral designers will be happy to help you.

Serving all of Orange County, CA, and specializing in weddings and events in Newport Beach, San Clemente, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, Monarch Beach, Irvine, Lake Forest, Coto de Caza, Rancho Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, and Aliso Viejo.